Too many people are quick to tar the whole of the East Rand with a single ‘Hicksville’ brush, but with suburbs like Rynfield, in Benoni, it couldn’t be further from the truth.The suburb, which is best known for the Bunny Park, is a mixture of both established suburb and agricultural holdings, is an oasis of wide verges and tree-lined streets.
What it has is a broad spectrum of options, ranging from houses below the R1-million mark up to residences over the R3-million mark. Properties are typically large with some more than an acre in size, providing plenty of space for kids and pets.
Over the last 12 months there have been 80 sales in the R800 000 to R1.5 million range, with 22 in the R1.5-million – R3-million range and four over the R3-million mark. However, with the average sale price in 2010 just over the R1-million mark it is clear that much of the property fell into the lower-end of the R800 000 – R1-million range. The higher priced properties are likely to keep the real estate agents happy though. Rynfield has a good mix of the different age groups with the 36-50 and 50-64 year-old groups forming the largest groups by far. The 18-35 year-old group makes up 36% of recent buyers indicating that there is a change in the makeup of the suburb.
While Rynfield may be rather further from the bright lights of Sandton and Johannesburg than many people would be comfortable with there are still numerous options for shopping and entertainment in the area. With the Northmead Square, Northmead Mall and Lakeside Mall all within striking distance almost all needs are catered for. From and education perspective there are both English and Afrikaans primary and high schools in the area and St Dunstan’s College for those that prefer a private education.
While the CBD of Jo’burg may be a bit of a drive down the highway the airport is reasonably close. With the Gautrain now up and running it is possible for people to leave their cars at the Rhodesfield station and take the train to Sandton, Rosebank and Pretoria. The toll roads are coming on stream soon forcing many to take the train rather than braving the traffic.